Aug 18, 2015

How to Lower the Cost of Building a Custom Home

Building a custom home is as exciting as
it is expensive. No matter what budget you set, there's a very high chance that
you will go over it, and your imagination will always surpass your available
funds. That's why it's so important to be realistic about your resources and
capabilities. This starts with making a discreet list of all the elements that
are essential and non-negotiable, as well as all the elements that are
preferred but not exactly necessary. If you are looking to build your dream
home on a firm budget, here is how to lower the cost of building a custom home.

image:bobvila.com

Make
sure to use recycled materials - you can often find flooring and other
materials from other construction sites or you can visit your local industrial
recycling center. These days, reclaimed materials couldn't be more in vogue.
They connote a sense of timelessness and respect for the environment. If you
want your home to have a more raw or slightly industrial look, this may be the
best way to go.

2.Make
sure that you bypass hiring an architect - you can often purchase blueprints
from a company likeAdvanced
House Plansto have your
custom home built. When it comes down to it, it may not only be less expensive,
but it could also be a much safer option. When you go with a tried and true
floor plan, you know that you won't be running into any amateur mistakes. A lot
of architects are much better at talking the talk than they are at walking the
walk. And when push comes to shove, you don't want to be the one learning from
others' mistakes.

3.Make
sure to incorporate space for solar panels - one great way to lower the cost of
building a custom home is to go green. If your rooftop has a lot of southern
facing exposure, you could save a ton of money on your energy costs - in
addition to saving the planet. Some people absorb so much energy with their
panels that they are actually providing extra energy that goes into the grid, and
some municipalities will actually compensate you for your contribution. How
cool is that?

4.Make
sure that you work out bids with various contractors - the idea is to lower the
cost of your build by inviting multiple proposals. Not only will you get a very
realistic idea of the range that you could be spending on construction, but you
will also present yourself as someone with a strong business acumen. This will
provide you with more leeway for negotiation and prevent a good deal of
potential exploitation.

5.Make
sure that you lower your footprint - the more materials you have, the more
money you are going to spend on yourcustom built home. That's why it's best to go
with strong, sturdy materials that are meant to last, but you also want to keep
it to a minimum. In the end, your space will feel more expansive if you take a
minimalist approach, and if you use top of the line building materials, you will
avoid expensive and wasteful remodels in the future.